Interactive television program guide with simultaneous watch and record capabilities

ABSTRACT

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationNo. 60/089,487, filed Jun. 16, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to interactive television program guides,and more particularly, to television program guides that allow users torecord one program while simultaneously watching a different program.

[0003] Interactive program guides are typically implemented on set-topboxes. The program guides implemented on set-top boxes allow users toview television program listings. In addition, some program guides allowthe user to select a program to be recorded. When the selected programbegins, the program guide tunes the set-top box to the channel showingthe program and directs a videocassette recorder (“VCR”) to beginrecording. At the end of the selected program, the program guide stopsthe recording process.

[0004] A significant disadvantage to the program guides that arecurrently available is that they are generally based on set-top boxesthat contain one tuner (although set-top boxes containing two tunershave been proposed). A program may be selected for recording using suchonetuner program guides, however, a viewer is unable to watch oneprogram while simultaneously recording another.

[0005] What is needed is a more sophisticated program guide that canperform an allocation function amongst multiple tuners or a single tunerin conjunction with a RF bypass switch inside a set-top box oralternatively, outside the set-top box to allow a viewer to watch oneprogram while simultaneously recording another program.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aninteractive television program guide system which allows a user torecord one program while simultaneously watching another program.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides the user of an interactivetelevision program guide with the ability to watch one program whilesimultaneously recording another. The user may select a televisionprogram to be recorded by viewing the interactive television programguide's program listings display screen and making a selection using aremote control device. The selection is then stored in memory thatresides in the set-top box or some other suitable device such as asatellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memoryor a computer.

[0008] If the set-top box is equipped with multiple tuners, theinteractive television program guide will allocate one of the tuners forrecording the program when it is time for the program to start. However,if all of the tuners are in use, which may be the case if the viewer iswatching one program and using a picture-in-picture (“PIP”) feature toview another program or to display additional text or graphics by usingsome other secondary tuner function feature that requires a tuner tooperate, the interactive television program guide may allocate a tunerfor the recording function if the user indicates that he is no longerinterested in using the PIP or another secondary tuner function or ifthe tuner allocation scheme dictates it do so. Alternatively, if theset-top box is equipped with two tuners, one may be dedicated fortelevision viewing and interactive television program guide userfeatures, while the other tuner may be dedicated for recording use only.

[0009] The present invention may also be practiced using a set-top boxsystem having a single tuner and a radio-frequency (“RF”) bypass ordigital switch. With such a system, the interactive television programguide allocates use of the single tuner output and controls the switchoutput to provide a watch and record environment for the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention, together with its various features and advantages,can be readily understood from the following more detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

[0011]FIG. 1(a) is a diagram of an illustrative interactive televisionprogram guide system in which an interactive television program guide isimplemented in accordance with the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 1(b) is a diagram of the user television equipment thatincludes alternative devices for the user program guide equipment,recording device and viewing device.

[0013]FIG. 2(a) is a diagram of an illustrative interactive televisionprogram guide system that includes a two-tuner set-top box in which theoutput of each tuner is connected directly into an external device inaccordance with the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2(b) is a diagram of an illustrative interactive televisionprogram guide system that includes a two-tuner set-top box in which theoutput of each tuner is connected to switching circuitry in accordancewith the present invention. The outputs of the switching circuitry areconnected to external devices.

[0015]FIG. 3(a) is a flow chart that illustrates steps involved in usingan interactive television program guide system that includes a set-topbox that has two tuners of the type shown in FIG. 2(a) in accordancewith the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 3(b) is a flow chart that illustrates steps involved in usingan interactive television program guide system that includes a set-topbox that has two tuners and switching circuitry of the type shown inFIG. 2(b)in accordance with the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 3(c) is an illustrative flow chart showing steps involved inproviding a secondary function in accordance with the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 4(a) is an illustrative interactive television program guideselection screen that may be provided on a user's television inaccordance with the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 4(b) is an illustrative interactive television program guideviewer option selection screen for use in canceling a picture-in-picturefunction or other secondary user functions in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0020]FIG. 4(c) is an illustrative interactive television program guideviewer option selection screen for use in the cancellation of ascheduled recording in accordance with the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive televisionprogram guide system that includes a set-top box with one tuner, anexternal radio frequency (RF) bypass switch, and an external infrared(IR) transmitter, and where the set-top box tuner output is received. bya videocassette recorder (VCR) in accordance with the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an interactivetelevision program guide system that includes a set-top box that has onetuner and an external RF bypass switch of the type shown in FIG. 5 inaccordance with the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 7 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive televisionprogram guide system that includes a set-top box that has one tuner, anexternal RF bypass switch, and an external IR transmitter, and in whichthe set-top box tuner output is connected to the television inaccordance with the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 8 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an interactivetelevision program guide system that includes a set-top box that has onetuner and an external RF bypass switch and in which the set-top boxtuner output is connected to the television as shown in FIG. 7 inaccordance with the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 9 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive televisionprogram guide system that includes a set-top box that has one tuner, anexternal RF bypass switching circuitry unit, and an external IRtransmitter in accordance with the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 10 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an interactivetelevision program guide system that includes a set-top box of the typeshown in FIG. 9 having one tuner, an external RF bypass switchingcircuitry unit, and an external IR transmitter in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0027]FIG. 11(a) is a diagram illustrating a switching position to whichan external RF bypass switching circuitry unit can be set so that bothoutputs of the RF bypass switching circuitry unit transmit a processedsignal in accordance with the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 11(b) is a diagram illustrating a switching position to whichan external RF bypass switching circuitry unit can be set so that anunprocessed television signal is directed to the VCR and a processedtelevision signal is directed to the television in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0029]FIG. 11(c) is a diagram illustrating a switching position to whichan external RF bypass switching circuit can be set so that theunprocessed television signal is directed to the television input andthe processed television signal is directed to the VCR input inaccordance with the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 12 is a diagram of an illustrative interactive televisionprogram guide system that includes a set-top box that has one tuner, anexternal RF bypass switching circuitry unit described in FIGS. 11(a),11(b), and 11(c), and an external IR transmitter in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0031]FIG. 13 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an interactivetelevision program guide system that includes a set-top box that has onetuner and an external RF bypass switching circuitry unit as shown inFIG. 11 having three distinct switching positions in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032]FIG. 1(a) shows an illustrative interactive television programguide system 100 in accordance with the present invention. Main facility102 contains a program guide database 104 for storing program guideinformation such as television program guide listings data, pay-per-viewordering information, television program promotional information, etc.Information from database 104 may be transmitted to multiple televisiondistribution facilities 110 via communications link 120. Only one suchfacility 110 is shown in FIG. 1 to avoid over-complicating the drawing.Communications link 120 may be a satellite link, a telephone networklink, a cable or fiber optic link, a microwave link, a combination ofsuch links, or any other suitable communication path. If it is desiredto transmit video signals over link 120 in addition to data signals, arelatively high bandwidth link such as a satellite link is generallypreferable to a relatively low bandwidth link such as a telephone line.Television distribution facility 110 is a facility for distributingtelevision signals and data to users, such as a cable system headend, abroadcast distribution facility, or a satellite television distributionfacility.

[0033] The program guide information transmitted by main facility 102 totelevision distribution facility 110 includes television programlistings data for current and future television programs. The televisionprogram listings data for each program preferably includes the title ofthe program, the channel for the program, a scheduled broadcast time(start time) and an ending time or the duration of the program. Othertypical program listings data includes ratings, critics ratings,descriptions, genres (sport, movies, children, etc.), actors, etc.Transmitted program information may also include advertising informationand pay program data such as pricing information for individual programsand subscription channels, telephone numbers for placing orders thatcannot be impulse ordered, etc.

[0034] Television distribution facility 110 distributes televisionprogramming and program guide information to the user televisionequipment 106 of multiple users via communications paths 108. Forexample, television programming may be distributed over analogtelevision channels and program guide data may be distributed over anout-of-band link on paths 108. Data distribution may also involve usingone or more digital channels on paths 108. Such digital channels mayalso be used for distributing television programming and otherinformation. Multiple television and audio channels (analog, digital, orboth analog and digital) may be provided to set-top boxes 112 viacommunication paths 108. If desired, program listings and otherinformation may be distributed by one or more distribution facilitiesthat are separate from television distribution facility 110 usingcommunications paths that are separate from paths 108.

[0035] Certain functions such as pay program purchasing may requireset-top boxes 112 to transmit data to television distribution facility110 over communications paths 108. If desired, such data may betransmitted over telephone lines or other separate communications paths.If functions such as these are provided using facilities separate fromtelevision distribution facility 110, some of the communicationsinvolving set-top boxes 112 may be made directly with the separatefacility.

[0036] Each user has user program guide equipment that acts as areceiver. The user program guide equipment is typically a set-top boxsuch as set-top box 112, but which may be other suitable televisionequipment into which circuitry similar to set-top box circuitry has beenintegrated. Program guide data is distributed to set-top boxes 112periodically, continuously or on demand. Television distributionfacility 110 may also poll set-top boxes 112 periodically for certaininformation (e.g., pay program account information or informationregarding programs that have been purchased and viewed usinglocally-generated authorization techniques). Main facility 102preferably contains a processor to handle information distributiontasks. Each set-top box 112 preferably contains a processor to handletasks associated with implementing a interactive television programguide application on the set-top box 112. Television distributionfacility 110 may contain a processor for tasks associated withmonitoring a user's interactions with the interactive television programguide implemented on set-top boxes 112 and for handling tasks associatedwith the distribution of program guide data and other information touser television equipment 106.

[0037] Each set-top box 112 is typically connected to an optionalrecording device such as videocassette recorder (VCR) 114 or othersuitable recording device, so that selected television programs may berecorded. VCR 114 may be connected to television 116 (or other suitableviewing device such as a monitor) or set-top box 112 may be connected totelevision 116 (or other suitable viewing device). To record a program,set-top box 112 tunes to a particular channel and sends control signalsvia infrared (IR) transmitter 200, other suitable control paths such asa hard-wired link or serial bus 201 to VCR 114. The control signalsdirect VCR 114 to start and stop recording at the appropriate times.

[0038] During use of the interactive television program guideimplemented on set-top box 112, television program listings and otherinformation may be displayed on television 116. Such interactivetelevision program guide displays may be overlaid on top of a televisionprogram to which the user has tuned with set-top box 112 or may bedisplayed in place of such a program. Each set-top box 112, VCR 114, andtelevision 116 may be controlled by one or more remote controls 118 orany other suitable user input interface such as a wireless keyboard,mouse, trackball, dedicated set of buttons, voice recognition systemetc. Remote controls such as remote control 118 have various buttonsthat may be pressed by the user such as cursor keys (for on-screenmovement of a highlighted region, scrolling functions, etc.), an enterkey (for making a selection), channel number keys (for selectingfunctions related to user preferences), etc.

[0039]FIG. 1(b) shows alternative devices that may be used inimplementing the interactive television program guide. The interactivetelevision program guide may be implemented on user program guideequipment that includes a set-top box, advanced television receiver witha microprocessor and memory, a personal computer with or without one ormore tuners, a satellite receiver, a high definition television (“HDTV”)receiver, or any other suitable television reception and data processingdevice. A suitable personal computer arrangement may contain a tunercard that contains suitable analog and digital tuning circuitry toperform the simultaneous watch and record features. A tuner card maycontain two analog tuners that both receive television program signalsfrom the television input signal and are controlled by the interactivetelevision program guide. Typically a digital tuner for the interactivetelevision program guide system may contain an analog tuner, a decodersuch as a Motion Pictures Experts Group (“MPEG”) MPEG-2 decoder, ademodulator such as a quadrature amplitude modulation (“QAM”)demodulator, and a demultiplexer such as a MPEG-2 demultiplexer that isused to extract the portion of the television input signal that isdesirable to the user and corresponds to a particular television programor channel. Alternatives for the recording device include avideocassette recorder, a digital versatile disk or digital video disk(“DVD”) player with recording capabilities, a digital storage devicesuch as a disk drive or other suitable digital storage device that mayor may not be part of the computer, or any other suitable recordingdevice. The recording device may also be a videocassette recordercontrolled by the computer. Alternatives for the viewing device includea television, a monitor with or without an attached computer, or theviewing equipment portion of a personal computer-television (PC/TV). Theviewing device may also be an analog or digital television.

[0040]FIG. 2(a) shows an illustrative two-tuner set-top box 112. Thetelevision input signal 206 may be received from a cable connected to acable system headend or from an antenna that receives satellitetelevision transmissions. Television signals may also be received thatare distributed, for example, by terrestrial wireless communicationssystems such as microwave-based communications systems or the like. Ifdesired, television signals may be received from conventional broadcasttelevision systems. Television-like signals may be received over theInternet (e.g., using video compression techniques). Television signalsfrom these sources or any other such suitable sources may be combined ifdesired. Television signals may be analog or digital (e.g., in theMPEG-2 format or the like). A television input signal that has not beenprocessed by a tuner or decoder in the program guide equipment isreferred to herein as a raw signal.

[0041] The unprocessed television input signal on line 206 is providedto set-top box 112. The unprocessed television input signal on line 206is then received by tuner 202 and tuner 204 which process this signal bydecoding it and tuning to desired television channels. The televisioninput signal on line 206 is typically an analog television signal andthe invention will generally be described in this context. However, theprincipals of the present invention also apply to set-top boxes thatreceive digital television signals as well. The principals of thepresent invention apply to satellite receivers, cable set-top boxes, andother devices suitable for the reception of television signals such asmicrowave television receivers, or broadcast television systemreceivers. However, for clarity the present invention will be describedprimarily in the context of cable set-top boxes. Tuner outputs 208 and210 of each tuner are respectively connected to audio/video output 1 andaudio/video output 2 of set-top box 112. Audio/video output 1 andaudio/video output 2 may be connected to external devices such as eithera television or VCR. Formats for audio/video output 1 and audio/videooutput 2 may include RF or baseband analog, MPEG-2 carried on an IEEE1394 bus, or any other suitable format. in this example, audio/videooutput 204 is connected to VCR 114. Accordingly, with the arrangement ofFIG. 2(a), the interactive television program guide always uses the sametuner for recording functions, because tuner 204 is dedicated for thatpurpose. However, VCR 114 may be connected to either audio/video output1 or audio/video output 2 so that if VCR 114 is connected to audio/videooutput 1, tuner 202 will be used exclusively for recording.

[0042]FIG. 2(a) also shows that the interactive television program guidesystem may include an external IR transmitter 200 for communicating withVCR 114. External IR transmitter 200 receives interactive televisionprogram guide command signals from set-top box 112 on line 212. Althoughin FIG. 2(a) and other drawings, IR transmitter 200 is depicted as beingexternal to the set-top box 112, this configuration may be modified ifdesired by using a set-top box that includes an internal IR transmittercapable of transmitting an infrared signal at an optimal trajectory suchthat it is effectively received by external devices such VCR 114 andtelevision 116. IR transmitter 200 may be optimally positioned so thatVCR 114 will receive the IR signal effectively. Alternatively, theinteractive program guide system may include two IR transmitters, onefor VCR 114 and one for television 116 or other equipment forcommunicating with the recording device such as optional serial bus 201.The interactive television program guide command signals on line 212that are provided to IR transmitter 200 allow channel selection requestsand VCR start and record commands to be sent from the interactivetelevision program guide in set-top box 112 to VCR 114. The interactivetelevision program guide commands that are sent to VCR 114 are based onthe user's interactions with the interactive television program guide(i.e., to select programs for recording, etc,).

[0043]FIG. 3(a) is a flow chart showing steps involved in using aninteractive television program guide system having a set-top boxconfiguration such as shown in FIG. 2(a). At step 300, the interactivetelevision program guide provides the user with an opportunity to selecta program to be recorded at some later time. The user may select aprogram to be recorded from a interactive television program guidescreen such as interactive television program guide program selectionscreen 400 of FIG. 4(a), which the interactive television program guidedisplays on the user's television. By entering a selection using remotecontrol 118, the user may select a program to be recorded. The user mayenter a selection into remote control 118 by using the up and downcursor buttons on remote control 118 to highlight the desired selectionwith a highlight region such as highlight region 402. In the exampledepicted in FIG. 4(a), program 10, is being selected for recording at7:30 on channel 4. The user may initiate recording by pressing a remotecontrol “record” button or by pressing an “OK” button followed byappropriate responses to various on-screen menus generated by theinteractive television program guide.

[0044] At step 302 of FIG. 3(a), the interactive television programguide sends commands to tuner 204 of FIG. 2(a) at the time the programselected after step 300 is about to begin. These commands allow theinteractive television program guide to tune tuner 204 to the channel ofthe program selected for recording.

[0045] At step 304, the interactive television program guide sendscommands via IR transmitter 200 that direct VCR 114 of FIG. 2(a) beginrecording. Optionally, the interactive television program guide may sendcommands that direct VCR 114 to turn on if necessary. While tuner 204 ofFIG. 2(a) is being used to record the selected program, tuner 202 may beused to view any program made available to the user on television inputsignal 206 by television distribution facility 110. In addition, theuser may use the interactive television program guide without anylimitations as to which tuner-related features of the interactivetelevision program guide may be used. This two-tuner set-top box systemprovides a system by which the user may simultaneously watch one programand record another.

[0046] At step 306 of FIG. 3(a), the interactive television programguide sends IR commands to VCR 114 at the end of the recorded program.These IR commands instruct VCR 114 to stop recording. Optionally, theinteractive television program guide may send commands that direct VCR114 to turn off if necessary.

[0047]FIG. 2(b) shows another illustrative arrangement of a two-tunerset-top box 112. The arrangement of FIG. 2(b) allows the interactivetelevision program guide to allocate whichever tuner is not currentlybusy for recording a selected program when that program is about tobegin. Outputs 208 and 210 of tuners 202 and 204 respectively, of FIG.2(b) are connected to inputs 214 and 216, respectively, of switchingcircuitry 218. Switching circuitry 218 is controlled by interactivetelevision program guide command signals on line 212. Switchingcircuitry 218 has two outputs 220 and 222. Each of the switchingcircuitry outputs 220 and 222 may be connected to at least one externaldevice such as television 116 or VCR 114. The arrangement of FIG. 2(b)is similar to the arrangement of FIG. 2(a), except that the FIG. (b)arrangement has switching circuitry that allows the interactivetelevision program guide to switch tuner outputs so that each externaldevice may receive output from either tuner 202 or tuner 204, whereasthe arrangement in FIG. 2(a) only allows the tuner outputs to bededicated to one external device or another. Further, in theconfiguration of FIG. 2(b), both switching circuitry outputs 220 and 222are connected to television 116 and output 222 is also connected to VCR114. Output 220 is connected to the regular television input and Output222 is connected to the Picture-In-Picture input or some other auxiliarytelevision input. This configuration allows the user to use secondaryfunctions such as PIP while viewing television 116. Alternatively, thepicture-in-picture output from one tuner may be combined internally inthe set-top box with the processed signal output from the other tuner tocreate one output that is connected to television 116.

[0048]FIG. 3(b) shows a flow chart of steps involved in using aninteractive television program guide system having a set-top boxconfigured as shown in FIG. 2(b). Before step 300, a user may use theinteractive television program guide to select a particular televisionprogram for viewing. The interactive television program guide commands afirst non-busy tuner to direct its output to television 116 for userviewing. At step 300, the interactive television program guide providesthe user with an opportunity to select a program to be recorded. Theuser may also activate a secondary function for the set-top box tunersuch as a picture-in-picture function or the interactive televisionprogram guide may utilize that tuner for another secondary function suchas collecting program guide data, browsing the Internet, playing aparticular music channel, using interactive services or running abackground process.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3c, when a user activates a secondary tunerfunction, the tuner for that function (e.g., the tuner other than thefirst non-busy tuner) may perform that secondary tuner function at step322. Step 322 may also involve non-user activated secondary tunerfunctions such as step 324 that provides support for backgroundprocesses. A background process supported may be collecting interactivetelevision program guide data. Step 324 may be performed, for example,by tuning the other tuner to a channel on which interactive televisionprogram guide data is provided from main facility 102 via televisiondistribution facility 110 on one of communications paths 108 connectingtelevision distribution facility 110 to user television equipment 106 ormore specifically to user program guide equipment 112. Step 324 may alsoinvolve using the other tuner to provide interactive services such asenabling Internet browsing at step 326. Internet browsing may involveaccessing the Internet by launching a Internet browser and connecting tothe Internet using the other tuner over a data channel on one ofcommunications paths 108 linking user program guide equipment 112 totelevision distribution facility 110. Television distribution facility110 may contain a server or other suitable equipment for completing aconnection to the Internet. Step 322 may also involve step 328 ofplaying a music channel or to obtain information for that channel. Instep 328, the other tuner may be used in tuning to a digital musicchannel provided from television distribution facility 110. Aspects ofthe use of multiple tuners to obtain in-band information for analog anddigital music channels are described in Ellis U.S. patent applicationSerial No. ______, filed concurrently herewith (Attorney Docket No.UV-69), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. If desired, the other tuner may be used to provide apicture-in-picture signal at step 330.

[0050] Returning to FIG. 3b, if the user decides to activate a secondaryfunction such as PIP before the interactive television program guidebegins to record the program that was selected for recording at step300, the other tuner is used to provide the secondary function at step309. Thus following step 309, both tuners are in use. The user iswatching television with the first tuner while the second (other) tuneris being used to provide a secondary function such as PIP. At step 310,the interactive television program guide processes the request to recordthe program selected at step 300.

[0051] At step 312, after the record request is processed theinteractive television program guide displays viewer option forsecondary function use (PIP cancellation) display screen 410 as shown inFIG. 4(b) which provides the user with an opportunity to either initiatethe recording process or to continue using secondary functions thatinvolve supplying PIP or additional text or graphics that overlay thedisplay of television 116. The user, who is already watching televisionusing the first non-busy tuner, may indicate a desire to continue usingthe other tuner for secondary functions by selecting “No” on the vieweroption for secondary function use (PIP cancellation) display screen 410with highlight region 411. This selection can be made by using remotecontrol 118. If the user selects “No,” the interactive televisionprogram guide will continue to direct the other tuner to be used forsecondary function use. Alternatively, the user may cancel the secondaryfunction use on the other tuner and may initiate the recording processusing the other tuner by selecting “Yes” on viewer option for secondaryfunction use (PIP cancellation) display screen 410. If the interactivetelevision program guide does not receive a “Yes” or “No” selection fromthe user, the interactive television program guide will terminate thesecondary function use on the second tuner and proceed with therecording process. Further, if the second tuner is being used for ansecondary function such as data collection that requires no user input,the interactive television program guide will automatically terminatethat function without displaying a viewer alert screen.

[0052] At step 314, after the user has chosen to proceed with therecording process, the output of the other tuner is directed to VCR 114by switching circuitry 218 and used to record the selected program. Theinteractive television program guide tunes the other tuner to thechannel on which the selected program will be broadcast and sends IRcommands to VCR 114 to start recording.

[0053] If the user decides not to activate a secondary function such asPIP before the interactive television program guide begins to record theprogram that was selected for recording, the interactive televisionprogram guide uses the other tuner to record the selected program atstep 308. Thus, following step 308, both tuners are in use. The user iswatching television with the first tuner while the second (other) tuneris being used to record the selected program. If the user attempts toactivate a secondary function as shown at point 311 in FIG. 3(b), theinteractive television program guide displays viewer option forsecondary function use (recording cancellation) display screen 420 atstep 316 as shown in FIG. 4(c) which gives the user the option to eithercancel the recording process and allocate the other tuner for secondaryfunction use or to continue the recording process and cancel thesecondary function request.

[0054] If the user cancels the secondary function request (using, e.g.,highlight region 421 of FIG. 4(c)) to select “No” in viewer option forsecondary function use (recording cancellation) display screen 420, theinteractive television program guide continues the recording process onthe other tuner at step 318.

[0055] If the user cancels the record request by selecting “Yes” inviewer option for secondary function use (recording cancellation)display screen 420, the interactive television program guide allocatesthe other tuner for secondary function use at step 320. In step 320, theinteractive television program guide sends IR commands to VCR 114 todirect VCR 114 to stop recording.

[0056]FIG. 4(a) shows an illustrative interactive television programguide selection screen 400 that may be displayed on television 116 whenthe user enters commands into remote control 118 that direct theinteractive television program guide to be displayed. The user may useremote control 118 to select a desired program for recording.Interactive television program guide selection screen 400 provides theuser with an opportunity to view program listings for current and futureprograms as well as to initiate the recording process by selecting aprogram to be recorded. FIG. 4(a) depicts an example in which the userhas selected program 10 for recording with highlight region 402. Program10 will be broadcast on channel 4 at 7:30. This means that at 7:30 theinteractive television program guide uses either a set-top box tuner orthe internal tuner of VCR 114 to tune to channel 4 before initiating therecord sequence. This record sequence may be performed while the user iswatching a television program different from the program being recorded.

[0057]FIG. 4(b) shows an illustrative interactive television programguide viewer option for secondary function use (PIP cancellation) screen410 which acts to alert the viewer to a conflict in tuner allocation andusage. Screen 410 may be displayed by the interactive television programguide on user television 116 when the second or “other” tuner chosen bythe interactive television program guide to record the selected programis already in use performing a secondary function such as PIP and thefirst tuner is being used for viewing television 116. Screen 410provides the user with an opportunity to continue using the second tunerfor the secondary function and to cancel the record request or to cancelthe secondary use and to proceed with the record request. If the userstill desires to have the program recorded, the user will select “Yes.”The interactive television program guide will then redirect the use ofthe second tuner and initiate the record sequence. If the user desiresto continue using the secondary function, the user will select “No.” Theinteractive television program guide will then cancel the record requestand allow the user to continue using the second tuner for any of theavailable secondary functions.

[0058]FIG. 4(c) shows illustrative interactive television program guideviewer option for secondary function use (record cancellation) displayscreen 420 which acts to alert the viewer to a conflict in tunerallocation and usage. Screen 420 may be displayed by the program ontelevision 116 when the second or “other” tuner chosen by theinteractive television program guide is asked to perform a secondaryfunction but that tuner is already busy performing the record functionand the first tuner is being used for viewing television 116. Screen 420provides the user with the option to continue using the second tuner forrecording the selected program and canceling the request for use of theother tuner for performing a secondary function or to cancel the currentrecording and to process the secondary function request. If the userdesires to have the recording process canceled, the user will select“Yes.” The interactive television program guide will then redirect theuse of the second tuner and process the secondary function request. Ifthe user desires to continue the recording process, the user will select“No.” The interactive television program guide will then cancel thesecondary function request and allow the user to continue using thesecond tuner for recording the selected program.

[0059]FIG. 5. shows the first of four illustrative configurationsinvolving a single-tuner set-top box 500 that has an RF bypass switch.If desired, the functions of the RF bypass switch may be provided by adigital switch. The RF bypass switch may be incorporated as part of theinput circuitry on either the viewing or recording devices andfunctionally perform the same as RF bypass switch 502. RF bypass switch502 allows raw cable input 506 to be passed through to an externaldevice such as television 116 without being processed. RF bypass switch502 not only receives raw signal 506, but it receives processed signal508 as well. Processed signal 508 is output from tuner 504 and into VCR114. Processed signal 508 passes through VCR 114 and is output asprocessed signal 510 from VCR 114 to RF bypass switch 502. Theinteractive television program guide command signals on line 212 arealso an input to RF bypass switch 502 and are used to control output 512of RF bypass switch 502. Output 512 from RF bypass switch 502 may beeither raw signal 506 or processed signal 510. The ability of RF bypassswitch 502 to output either the raw or the processed signal is anattractive feature because it allows the user to view programs onchannels that must be processed by a tuner for unscrambling or decoding,such as HBO, as well as those programs that do not.

[0060] When the interactive television program guide system is inwatch-and-record mode, only raw signal 506 is transmitted on output 512of RF bypass switch 502 and directed to television 116. Output 508 oftuner 504 in set-top box 500 is directed to VCR 114 only. Therefore, allof the programs (scrambled and unscrambled) that are available to theuser from television distribution facility 110 may be recorded by VCR114. When television 116 receives unprocessed raw signal 506, the usermay view all of the programs available to that user from televisiondistribution facility 110 that do not require processing or unscramblingby tuner 504. The user may tune the television by using remote control118 to change the channels on the television and not by changing thechannels on set-top box tuner 504. The interactive television programguide may process channel requests received from remote control 118 andmay retransmit suitable channel changing commands to TV 116 using IRtransmitter 200. In this mode, channel requests are redirected away fromtuner 504, which is normally the recipient of such requests, to thetuner of television 116.

[0061] When television 116 is in a mode where it is receiving raw signal506, use of the interactive television program guide is limited becausemany of the interactive television program guide's features requireprocessing by set-top box tuner 504 and its output 508 to be directed totelevision 116. However, limited use of the interactive televisionprogram guide is still possible in this mode because some interactivetelevision program guide features remain accessible to the user. Forexample, the interactive television program guide may display simpleinformation such as the channel number on the front panel of the set-topbox. The interactive television program guide may also prevent the userfrom attempting to tune to any channel that television 116 cannot decodedue to scrambling. The interactive television program guide may providethe user with the option to select the last channel viewed, use favoritechannel features or adjust television volume without interrupting therecording process. If the user had set a reminder for the time duringwhich a recording is active, the interactive television program guidemay automatically tune the television to the selected program.Alternatively, the interactive television program guide may allow theuser to toggle between programs with reminders, by using a predefinedkey on remote control 118. If the user attempts to tune to a programthat is parentally controlled, the interactive television program guidemay prevent the transmission of channel-tuning commands to thetelevision. In this case, the interactive television program guide maytune to the desired program only after a special personal identificationnumber (PIN) is entered into remote control 118. The interactivetelevision program guide may present a prompt for such a PIN on thefront-panel display of set-top box 500. Interactive television programguide command signal 212 is an input to IR transmitter 200 and is usedto send commands from the interactive television program guide toexternal devices such as television 116 and VCR 114 via infraredtransmission signals. IR transmitter 200 may be optimally positioned sothat VCR 114 and television 116 will receive the IR signal effectively.

[0062] The single tuner, RF bypass switch configuration of FIG. 5operates in a similar manner to the two-tuner set-top box configurationsdescribed in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) in that it allows the user to watch oneprogram while simultaneously recording another.

[0063]FIG. 6 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an interactivetelevision program guide system that includes a single tuner, RF bypassswitch, and set-top box tuner output directed to VCR 114 as shown inFIG. 5. At step 300, the interactive television program guide providesthe user with an opportunity to select a program to be recorded at somelater time. After the user selects a program for recording, theinteractive television program guide continues to direct set-top boxtuner output 508 to television 116 at step 600 until the recordingprocess has been initiated. Directing set-top box tuner output 508 ofFIG. 5 to television 116 allows the user to view all programmingavailable from television distribution facility 110.

[0064] At step 602, the interactive television program guide initiatesthe recording of the selected program by directing set-top box tuneroutput 508 to VCR 114. The interactive television program guide tunesset-top box tuner 504 to selected program and sets set-top box tuneroutput 508 to an optimal volume level for recording. Because set-top boxtuner output 508 is being used to record the selected program, allprograms available to the user from television distribution facility 110may be recorded. When the recording process is initiated, theinteractive television program guide directs raw signal 506 through RFbypass switch 502 and to television 116. Because television 116 receivesraw signal 506 while the recording process is occurring only programsdecodeable by cable ready television 116 may be viewed. The interactivetelevision program guide may send commands via IR transmitter 200 totune television 116 to the channel previously watched by the user so asnot to interrupt the program being viewed. While television 116 receivesraw signal 506, the user has limited access to interactive televisionprogram guide features because to have full access to interactivetelevision program guide features set-top box tuner 504 must not be inthe record mode.

[0065] At step 604, without interrupting the recording process, a usermay select a particular television channel by using remote control 118.When the user selects a channel, the interactive television programguide sends IR commands to the tuner of television 116 and not toset-top box tuner 504, thereby providing an interruption-free recordingenvironment. In this configuration, the user may use a limited number ofinteractive television program guide functions such as parental control,reminders and volume control.

[0066] At step 606, when the selected program ends, the interactivetelevision program guide sends IR commands to stop the recordingprocess. The interactive television program guide directs the output ofset-top tuner 504 to television 116 and also tunes set-top box tuner 504to the channel television 116 was previously tuned to, which once againprovides the user with the full range of programs available to the userand full access to interactive television program guide features. Theinteractive television program guide may change the volume of set-topbox tuner output 508 back to the volume level selected by the user.

[0067]FIG. 7 is the second illustrative configuration of the singletuner and RF bypass switch set-top box system. Set-top box 500 issimilar to that shown in FIG. 5. However, here, output 508 of tuner 504is directed to television 116 and output 512 of RF bypass switch 502 isdirected to VCR 114. RF bypass switch output 512 is controlled byinteractive television program guide command signals on line 212, whichare an input to RF bypass switch 502. In this configuration, if a userwanted to watch one program while recording another, VCR 114 is onlyable to record programs that can be decoded by the VCR (e.g.,unscrambled and unprocessed analog channels). However, the user wouldalso be able to view any program available to the user whilesimultaneously recording a selected program that is different from theprogram being viewed. If the user is not viewing television 116 anyprogram available to the user may be recorded. The user may also view ascrambled program if that program is the same one being recorded. Inaddition, unlike in the first configuration of the single-tunerRF-bypass set-top box system shown in FIG. 5, the user would be able touse and enjoy the full range of available interactive television programguide features. The full range of interactive television program guidefeatures may be used simultaneously with the recording function becauseset-top box tuner output 508 is input directly to television 116. Incontrast to the set-top box embodiment shown in FIG. 5, where set-topbox output 508 is directed to VCR 114 and full interactive televisionprogram guide use is not possible while in the watch and record mode,this single-tuner RF-bypass-switch embodiment does not interfere withthe functionality of the interactive television program guide when VCR114 recording function is in operation because set-top box tuner output508 is directed to television .116 and not VCR 114.

[0068]FIG. 8 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an interactivetelevision program guide system that includes a single-tuner RF-bypassswitch, and set-top box tuner output 508 that is directed to atelevision as shown in FIG. 7. At step 300, the interactive televisionprogram guide provides the user with an opportunity to select a programto be recorded at some later time.

[0069] At step 800, after the user has selected a program to berecorded, the interactive television program guide continues to directset-top box tuner output 508 to television 116 and switches raw signal506 through RF bypass switch 502 to VCR 114.

[0070] At step 802, when the selected program is to begin, theinteractive television program guide initiates recording of the selectedprogram. The interactive television program guide sends IR commands thattune the internal tuner of VCR 114 to the desired channel for theselected program. This configuration of the present invention allowsonly programs that are decodeable by VCR 114 to be recorded whileanother program is being viewed and not those programs that requireprocessing or unscrambling by set-top box tuner 504. However, iftelevision 116 is not being viewed, VCR 114 can record any programavailable to the user. While the recording process is occurring, set-topbox tuner output 508 continues to be directed to television 116providing the user with unlimited access to interactive televisionprogram guide features and all programs available to the user fromtelevision distribution facility 110.

[0071] At step 804, when the selected programs ends, the interactivetelevision program guide sends IR commands to VCR 114 to stop therecording process. The interactive television program guide alsoswitches raw signal 506 and processed signal 508 such that VCR 114receives processed signal 508 once again.

[0072]FIG. 9 shows a diagram of a third illustrative configurationinvolving a single-tuner RF-bypass-switch system. In this configurationor pass through mode, RF bypass switch 900 has two outputs 902 and 904and includes switching circuitry that provides the user with the abilityto pass its two inputs 506 and 508 directly to outputs 902 and 904respectively. In addition, outputs 902 and 904 of RF bypass switch 900may be switched or placed in a switched mode to receive a signal frominputs 508 and 506 respectively, upon commands sent from the interactivetelevision program guide via the interactive television program guidecommand signals on line 212. This switching capability allows theinteractive television program guide to direct either raw signal 506 orprocessed signal 508 to either VCR 114 or television 116. In normalmode, raw signal 506 is directed to VCR 114 via output 902 and processedsignal 508 is directed to television 116 via output 904. However, if VCR114 is unable to record the selected program because the program'ssignal is scrambled or digital, the interactive television program guidewill send commands via line 212 to RF bypass switch 900 to switch rawsignal 506 to television 116 via output 904 and processed signal 508 toVCR 114 via output 902. This switch arrangement allows the user torecord the selected program while simultaneously watching anotherprogram that does not require processing by tuner 504.

[0073]FIG. 10 is a flow chart of steps involved in using an interactivetelevision program guide system that includes a single-tuner RF-bypassswitch that can operate in two modes, pass through or switched, as shownin FIG. 9. At step 300, the interactive television program guideprovides the user with an opportunity to select a program to be recordedat some later time.

[0074] At step 1000, the interactive television program guide directsset-top box tuner output 508 through RF bypass switch 900 via output 904to television 116 and raw signal 506 through RF bypass switch 900 via902 to VCR 114. A user may be watching television 116.

[0075] At step 1002, when the program is scheduled to begin, theinteractive television program guide initiates recording of the programselected by the user. The record process may be initiated while a useris watching programming on television 116.

[0076] At step 1004, if VCR 114 can decode the channel on which theselected program will be broadcast, the program continues to directset-top box tuner output 508 to television 116 and raw signal 506through RF bypass switch 900 to VCR 114. The interactive televisionprogram guide sends IR commands to the internal tuner of VCR 114 thattune to the desired channel for the selected program and directs VCR 114to start recording the selected program. This allows the user to viewany program available to the user from television distribution facility110 without any interruptions due to the recording process.

[0077] At step 1006, if VCR 114 cannot decode the channel on which theselected program will be broadcast, the interactive television programguide redirects set-top box output 508 from television 116 to VCR 114and also redirects raw signal 506 through RF bypass switch 900 from VCR114 to television 116. The interactive television program guide may setset-top box tuner output 508 to an optimal volume level for recording.The interactive television program guide sends commands on line 212 totune set-top box tuner 504 to tune to the channel on which the selectedprogram will be broadcast. The interactive television program guide alsosends IR commands to television 116 to tune it to the channel, ifunscrambled, that the user was viewing prior to the switch. Thisprovides the user with the ability to record any program available tohim from television distribution facility 110. However, the user mayonly view programs decodeable by cable-ready television 116. Similar tothe configuration described in FIG. 5 in this configuration whentelevision 116 is in a mode where it is receiving raw signal 506, use ofthe interactive television program guide is limited because many of theinteractive television program guide's features require processing byset-top box tuner 504 and its output 508 to be directed to television116. However, limited use of the interactive television program guide isstill possible in this mode because some interactive television programguide features remain accessible to the user. See description for FIG.5.

[0078] At step 1008, when the selected programs ends, the interactivetelevision program guide sends IR commands to VCR 114 to stop therecording process. The interactive television program guide switches rawsignal 506 and processed signal 508 so that raw signal 506 is directedto VCR 114 and processed signal 508 is directed to television 116 onceagain. The interactive television program guide may tune set-top boxtuner 504 to the channel that was being viewed prior to the switch toprovide the viewer with an interruption-free viewing environment.

[0079]FIG. 11(a) shows RF bypass switch 1100 in one of three possiblepositions. RF bypass switch 1100 may be used in place of RF bypassswitch 900 of FIG. 9 in a single-tuner RF-bypass-switch interactivetelevision program guide system. When this substitution is made, a veryversatile configuration of the single-tuner RF-bypass-switch interactivetelevision program guide system results. FIG. 11(a) shows RF bypassswitch 1100 in its normal position. The normal position allows processedsignal 508 from set-top box tuner 504 to be output from both RF bypassswitch outputs 1102 and 1104 to be directed to VCR 114 and television116, respectively.

[0080]FIG. 11(b) shows another switch position of RF bypass switch 1100.This position allows inputs 506 and 508 to be passed directly through RFbypass switch 1100 to outputs 1102 and 1104, respectively.

[0081]FIG. 11(c) shows another switch position of RF bypass switch 1100.This position allows inputs 506 and 508 to be switched to outputs 1104and 1102, respectively.

[0082]FIG. 12 shows a diagram of a fourth illustrative configuration ofthe single-tuner RF-bypass-switch set-top box interactive televisionprogram guide system. The FIG. 12 configuration uses RF bypass switchingcircuitry 1100 (shown in FIG. 11), which is more complicated thanRF-bypass switching circuitry 900 (shown in FIG. 9). In this embodiment,the RF bypass switch provides the user with three distinct combinationsfor the two outputs. These three distinct combinations are asfollows: 1) both the outputs 1102 and 1104 transmit processed signal 508to VCR 114 and television 116 respectively; 2) output 1102 transmits rawsignal 506 to VCR 114 and output 1104 transmits the processed signal 508to television 116; and 3) output 1102 transmits processed signal 508 toVCR 114 and the output 1104 transmits raw signal 506 to television 116.In the normal mode, both VCR 114 and television 116 receive processedsignal 508 from the set-top box tuner 504. The normal mode may be usedto simultaneously watch and record, but the program watched by theviewer must be the same as that being recorded. If different programsare watched and recorded and the program selected to be recorded isunscrambled or can be decoded by VCR 114, the interactive televisionprogram guide switches output 1102 of RF-bypass switch 1100 to aposition such that VCR 114 can receive raw signal 508. In thissituation, television 116 continues to receive the processed signal fromset-top box tuner 504, which gives the user unrestricted access to allprograms available to the user, in addition to the unrestricted use ofthe interactive television program guide and its many features. The useris able to watch one program while recording another. If the selectedprogram cannot be unscrambled by VCR 114, the interactive televisionprogram guide will send commands to RF bypass switch 1100 that commandprocessed signal 508 to be directed to VCR 114 and raw signal 506 to bedirected to the television. In this switching position, the user isrestricted to viewing programs that do not require unscrambling orprocessing by set-top box tuner 504.

[0083]FIG. 13 is a flow chart of steps involved in using the interactivetelevision program guide system shown of FIG. 12, which includes singletuner 504 and the substituted RF bypass switch 1100 shown in FIG. 11that can operate in three modes.

[0084] At step 300, the interactive television program guide providesthe user with an opportunity to select a program to be recorded at somelater time.

[0085] At step 1300, the interactive television program guide directsset-top box tuner output 508 to television 116 and to VCR 114. Thisarrangement is the normal switching position for this configuration ofthe present invention.

[0086] At step 1302, the interactive television program guide initiatesrecording of the program selected by the user.

[0087] At step 1304, while the user is viewing television 116, if VCR114 can decode the channel on which the selected program will bebroadcast, the interactive television program guide continues to directset-top box tuner output 508 to television 116 and raw signal 506through RF bypass switch 1100 to VCR 114. The interactive televisionprogram guide sends IR commands that tune the internal tuner of VCR 114to the desired channel for the 5 selected program and that directs VCR114 to start recording the selected program. This allows the user toview any program available to the user from his cable company withoutany interruptions due to the recording process.

[0088] At step 1306, while the user is viewing television 116, if VCR114 cannot decode the channel on which the selected program will bebroadcast, the interactive television program guide redirects set-topbox output 508 from television 116 to VCR 114 and also redirects rawsignal 506 through RF bypass switch 1100 from VCR 114 to television 116.The interactive television program guide may set set-top box tuneroutput 508 to an optimal volume level for recording. The interactivetelevision program guide may tune television 116 to channel previouslyselected by the user. This provides the user with the ability to recordany program available from television distribution facility 110.However, the user may only view programs decodeable by cable television116. As mentioned previously in the specifications for FIGS. 5 and 10,when television 116 is in a mode where it is receiving raw signal 506,use of the interactive television program guide is limited because manyof the interactive television program guide's features requireprocessing by set-top box tuner 504 and its output 508 to be directed totelevision 116. However, limited use of the interactive televisionprogram guide is still possible in this mode because some interactivetelevision program guide features remain accessible to the user.

[0089] At step 1308, when the selected programs ends, the interactivetelevision program guide sends IR commands to the VCR to stop therecording process. The interactive television program guide switches rawsignal 506 and processed signal 508 so that processed signal 508 isdirected to both VCR 114 and television 116. The interactive televisionprogram guide may tune set-top box tuner 504 to channel selected priorto the switch.

[0090] The interactive television program guide system provides the userwith a variety of watch and record options that depend on the particularsignal switching options, tuner capabilities, and tuner functionsavailable in user television equipment 106. The interactive televisionprogram guide system may use various types of switches to implement thenecessary signal routing between user program guide equipment tuners,the viewing device tuner and the recording device tuner. A switch mayhave one or more outputs depending on the interactive television programguide system's configuration. Thus, signal switching options relate tothe switching capabilities associated with a particular type of switch.Tuner capabilities relate to whether a tuner is capable to decoding ascrambled television input signal, or a digital signal. For example,when a user requests to view a scrambled program the interactivetelevision program guide allocates a tuner that is capable of decodingthe scrambled signal such as a set-top box tuner, and does not allocatea tuner such as a viewing device tuner that may be incapable of decodingthe signal. The allocated tuner provides a corresponding unscrambled orprocessed signal to viewing device 116 so that the user is able to viewthe requested program.

[0091] A tuner that is “less capable” of fulfilling a user request is atuner that is capable of handling the user request. For example, aviewing device tuner may be capable of handling a user request to viewan unscrambled program. In that case the interactive television programguide will not allocate a tuner that is capable of unscrambling signalssuch as a set-top box tuner, because it is not necessary to do so.

[0092] Tuner functions relate to the various user-requested andnon-user-requested automatic functions that a tuner can perform. Tunerfunctions, also referred to as secondary functions include providing theuser with the ability to view and to record selected television programsusing the interactive television program guide, collect data from thetelevision input signal while another tuner is performing anotherfunction, supporting Internet browsing, providing the user with thecapability to play a particular music channel or to obtain musicinformation, providing the user with interactive services, performing abackground process or providing a second video image (PIP).

[0093] Another option provided to the user by the interactive televisionprogram guide is the watch option. The watch option allows the user toimmediately view a selected program if the program is currently beingbroadcast when the user selects it from a group of interactivetelevision program guide program listings or if the program will bebroadcast in the future, the watch option allows the user to set areminder that will remind the user that the selected program is about tobegin. The user may set a reminder that will displayed while the vieweris watching a television program or the user may set the reminder toautomatically tune to the selected program when it is time for thatprogram to begin.

[0094] While a user is viewing or attempting to view a particularprogram the interactive television program guide will allocate tunerresources that are composed of one or more tuners for the viewingactivity. The interactive television program guide may allocate tunerresources based on an assumption that the user is always viewing aparticular program or that the user desires to view a particularprogram.

[0095] In the case where a user is initially watching and recording thesame program, then while the recording is still continuing the userdesires to watch a different program, the interactive television programguide may allocate another tuner to accommodate the user's request inaccordance with the configurations of the present invention describedabove.

[0096] The optimal volume feature is a feature that allows theinteractive television program guide to automatically set the output ofa tuner that has been allocated for recording to its optimal volumelevel some time prior to the start of the recording process.

[0097] The parental control feature is a capability of the interactivetelevision program guide to prevent access to programs or channels thatthe user desires to block access to unless a special access code orpersonal identification number (“PIN”) is entered into the interactivetelevision program guide system. After the PIN is entered into thesystem by the user, the user program guide equipment provides userfeedback on a numeric display. The user feedback may be in the form of auser prompt, an indication that the correct or incorrect PIN has beenentered, dashed lines or some other suitable method of providing theuser with feedback.

[0098] Interactive television program guide features include tunerfunctions such as watch and record, PIP, etc., or non-tuner basedfeatures such as providing the user with program listings, programinformation displays and on-screen menu displays, etc..

[0099] The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of thisinvention and various modifications can be made by those skilled in theart without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An interactive television program guide systemthat allows a user to watch one television program while simultaneouslyrecording another television program, comprising: a recording device forrecording television programs; a viewing device for displayingtelevision programs for the user to watch; and user program guideequipment on which an interactive television program guide isimplemented, wherein the user program guide equipment receives atelevision input signal, wherein the user program guide equipment iscoupled to the recording device and the viewing device, wherein theinteractive television program guide controls the operation of the userprogram guide equipment so that one television program is displayed onthe viewing device while another television program is being recorded bythe recording device.
 2. The interactive television program guide systemdefined in claim 1 wherein the user program guide equipment comprises aset-top box on which the interactive television program guide isimplemented.
 3. The interactive television program guide system definedin claim 1 wherein the user program guide equipment comprises atelevision having a processor with memory on which the interactivetelevision program guide is implemented.
 4. The interactive televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 1 wherein the user program guideequipment comprises in a computer on which the interactive televisionprogram guide is implemented.
 5. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 1 wherein the user program guide equipmentis configured to receive the television input signal from a cablesystem.
 6. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 1 wherein the user program guide equipment is configured toreceive the television input signal from a satellite system.
 7. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 1 whereinthe user program guide equipment is configured to receive the televisioninput signal received from a microwave system.
 8. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 1 wherein the userprogram guide equipment is configured to receive the television inputsignal received from a broadcast television system.
 9. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 1 wherein the userprogram guide equipment is configured to receive the television inputsignal received from a combination of cable, satellite, microwave, andbroadcast television systems.
 10. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 1 wherein the television input signal isanalog.
 11. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 1 wherein the television input signal is digital.
 12. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 1 whereinthe television input signal is a combination of analog and digitalsignals.
 13. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 1 wherein the user program guide equipment includes tunerresources and wherein the interactive television program guide allocatestuner resources based on an assumption that a user is currently viewinga selected television program.
 14. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 13 wherein the assumption is based on theuser selecting a program and wherein the interactive television programguide provides the user with an opportunity to select a televisionprogram for viewing.
 15. The interactive television program guide systemdefined in claim 13 wherein the assumption is based on the userselecting the watch option and wherein the opportunity to view atelevision program includes the ability to select a watch option for theselected television program.
 16. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 13 wherein the assumption is based on theuser setting a reminder and wherein the interactive television programguide provides the user with an opportunity to set a reminder for aselected television program.
 17. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 13 wherein the assumption is based on theuser directing the interactive television program guide to tune to thechannel showing the selected television program and wherein theinteractive television program guide provides the user with anopportunity to direct the interactive program guide to tune to thechannel showing a selected television program.
 18. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 13 wherein theassumption is based on the user selecting at least one interactivetelevision program guide feature and wherein the interactive televisionprogram guide provides the user with the user with an opportunity toselect the interactive television program guide feature.
 19. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 1 whereinthe user program guide equipment includes tuner resources and whereinthe interactive television program guide allocates tuner resources basedon the assumption that the user always desires to view a televisionprogram.
 20. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 1 wherein the interactive television program guide provides theuser with an opportunity to select a television program for recording.21. The interactive television program guide system defined in claim 20wherein the opportunity to record a television program is provided by aninteractive television program guide display on the viewing device thatallows the user to select a television program to be recorded.
 22. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 20 furthercomprising a remote control device and wherein the user selects thetelevision program to be recorded by pressing a key on the remotecontrol device.
 23. The interactive television program guide systemdefined in claim 20 wherein the television program selected is currentlybeing broadcast.
 24. The interactive television program guide systemdefined in claim 20 wherein the television program selected is scheduledto be broadcast in the future.
 25. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 20 wherein the interactive televisionprogram guide sends commands to the recording device that direct therecording device to begin recording when the television program selectedis scheduled to begin.
 26. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 20 wherein the interactive television programguide sends commands to the recording device to stop recording when thetelevision program selected is scheduled to end.
 27. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 1 wherein the viewingdevice is a television.
 28. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 27 wherein the viewing device is an analogtelevision.
 29. The interactive television program guide system definedin claim 27 wherein the viewing device is a digital television.
 30. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 1 whereinthe viewing device is a monitor.
 31. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 30 further comprising a computer, whereinthe viewing device is a monitor connected to the computer.
 32. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 1 whereinthe recording device is a videocassette recorder.
 33. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 1 wherein the recordingdevice is a digital versatile disc recorder.
 34. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 1 wherein the recordingdevice is a disk drive.
 35. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 1 wherein the user program guide equipment,viewing device and recording device include a plurality of tuners, andwherein the interactive television program guide allocates the pluralityof tuners based on signal switching options, tuner capabilities andtuner functions performed by the tuner.
 36. The interactive televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 35 wherein the tuner functions tobe performed by the tuner include tuning to television programmingprovided in the television input signal for display on the viewingdevice.
 37. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 35 wherein the tuner functions to be performed by the tunerinclude tuning to television programming provided in the televisioninput signal for recording on the recording device.
 38. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 35 wherein the tunerfunctions to be performed by the tuner include collecting backgrounddata.
 39. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 35 wherein the tuner functions to be performed by the tunerinclude Internet browsing.
 40. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 35 wherein the tuner functions to be performedby the tuner include playing a particular music channel using the usertelevision equipment.
 41. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 35 wherein the tuner functions to be performedby the tuner include using interactive services.
 42. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 35 wherein the tunerfunctions to be performed by the tuner include handling user requests.43. The interactive television program guide system defined in claim 35wherein the tuner functions to be performed by the tuner includefunctions that are initiated automatically by the interactive televisionprogram guide.
 44. The interactive television program guide systemdefined in claim 35 wherein the tuner functions to be performed by thetuner include handling a current user request that requires one of theplurality tuners so that the interactive television program guideallocates that tuner for handling the current user request.
 45. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 35 whereinwhen only two of the plurality of tuners are available to be allocatedby the interactive television program guide and wherein when one of thetwo tuners is busy handling prior requests the interactive televisionprogram guide allocates a non-busy tuner for handling current userrequests.
 46. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 35 wherein the plurality of available tuners capable of handling agiven user request, wherein at least one of the tuners is less capablethan the others, wherein the interactive television program guideallocates the tuner that is less capable for handling the given userrequest.
 47. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 35 wherein the plurality of available tuners to handle userrequests, wherein the interactive television program guide allocates oneof these tuners based on anticipated future requests.
 48. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 35 whereinthe plurality of available tuners to handle user requests, wherein theinteractive television program guide allocates one of these tuners basedon the type of user request to be processed.
 49. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 35 wherein theplurality of available tuners, wherein when the tuners are unavailableto handle a current user request because prior requests are beinghandled, the interactive television program guide leaves the currentuser request unfulfilled.
 50. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 49 wherein the prior requests have a higherpriority than the current user request.
 51. The interactive televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 35 wherein when the plurality oftuners are unavailable to handle a current user request, the interactivetelevision program guide will cancel a prior request being handled on arequested tuner and handle the current user request.
 52. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 51 wherein the priorrequest has a lower priority than the current user request.
 53. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 51 whereinthe prior request is automatically initiated by the interactivetelevision program guide.
 54. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 53 wherein the prior request is a request toperform a background process.
 55. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 53 wherein the prior request is a requestto perform background data collection.
 56. The interactive televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 35 wherein when the plurality oftuners are unavailable to handle a current user request because thetuners are busy handling prior requests, the interactive televisionprogram guide provides the user with an option to cancel at least one ofthe prior requests and handle the current user request instead or tocancel the current user request and continue handling all of the priorrequests.
 57. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 56 wherein the option is displayed on a viewing device.
 58. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 56 whereinthe option is displayed on the viewing device and combined with videodata.
 59. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 56 wherein the option to cancel either one of the prior requestsor the current user request is not responded to by the user, theinteractive television program guide cancels one of the prior requeststhat involved providing the user with television programming for displayon the viewing device and then handles the current user request.
 60. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 56 whereinthe prior request is a secondary function request and the current userrequest is a record request.
 61. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 56 wherein the prior request is a recordrequest and the current user request is a secondary function request.62. The interactive television program guide system defined in claim 56wherein at least one of the prior request and current user requestincludes recording a television program.
 63. The interactive televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 56 wherein at least one of theprior request and current user request includes requests for displayinga second video image.
 64. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 56 wherein at least one of the prior request andcurrent user request includes requests for Internet browsing capability.65. The interactive television program guide system defined in claim 56wherein at least one of the prior request and current user requestincludes requests for playing a music channel.
 66. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 56 wherein at least oneof the prior request and current user request includes requests forinteractive services capability.
 67. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 35 wherein when the plurality of tunersare unavailable to handle a current user request because the pluralityof tuners are busy handling prior requests, the interactive televisionprogram guide provides the user with reduced interactive televisionprogram guide capabilities.
 68. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 67 wherein the reduced program guidecapabilities include graphics displays instead of video displays. 69.The interactive television program guide system defined in claim 67wherein the reduced program guide capabilities include text displaysinstead of video displays.
 70. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 1 the user program guide equipment furthercomprises at least one tuner, wherein the television input signalcorresponds to a raw signal, and wherein at least one tuner processesthe television input signal and provides a corresponding processedsignal; and a switch with the ability to route either the raw signal orthe processed signal to at least one switch output.
 71. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 70 wherein the switchis controlled by the interactive television program guide.
 72. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 70 whereinthe raw signal is a Radio-Frequency signal.
 73. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 70 wherein the rawsignal is a digital signal.
 74. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 70 wherein the processed signal is routed to therecording device and to the switch and wherein the switch routes eitherthe raw or processed signal to the viewing device.
 75. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 70 wherein theprocessed signal is routed to the viewing device and to the switch andthe raw signal is routed to the switch and wherein the switch routeseither the raw or processed signal to the recording device.
 76. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 70 whereinthe switch has a first switching position and a second switchingposition and wherein when the switch is in the first switching positionthe raw signal is routed to the recording device and the processedsignal is routed to the viewing device and when the switch is in thesecond switching position the raw signal is routed to the viewing deviceand the processed signal is routed to the recording device.
 77. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 70 whereinthe switch has a first switching position, a second switching position,and a third switching position and wherein when the switch is in thefirst switching position the raw signal is routed to the recordingdevice and the processed signal is routed to the viewing device and whenthe switch is in the second switching position provides that the rawsignal is routed to the viewing device and the processed signal isrouted to the recording device and when the switch is in the thirdswitching position provides that the processed signal is routed to boththe recording device and the viewing device.
 78. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 1 wherein the viewingdevice has a viewing device tuner and wherein the interactive televisionprogram guide controls the viewing device tuner.
 79. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 78 wherein thetelevision input signal corresponds to a raw signal and the viewingdevice tuner receives the raw signal, and wherein when the viewingdevice tuner is unable to decode a user-requested television programfrom the raw signal the interactive television program guide routes aprocessed signal to the viewing device.
 80. The interactive televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 78 wherein the interactivetelevision program guide provides the user with a subset of otherwiseavailable interactive television program guide capabilities.
 81. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 80 whereinthe subset of the interactive television program guide capabilitiesincludes the capability for the interactive television program guide toignore user commands that otherwise cause a program guide display to bedisplayed on the viewing device.
 82. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 80 wherein the interactive televisionprogram guide sends commands to the viewing device.
 83. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 82 further comprisingan infrared transmitter wherein the infrared transmitter transmits thecommands to the viewing device as infrared signals.
 84. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 82 further comprising aserial bus wherein the commands to the viewing device are sent via theserial bus.
 85. The interactive television program guide system definedin claim 80 wherein the subset of the interactive program guidecapabilities includes a capability to change channels.
 86. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 85 whereinthe capability to change channels includes a capability to accept digitentry to select a particular channel.
 87. The interactive televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 85 wherein the capability tochange channels includes the capability to change channels in ascendingand descending order.
 88. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 85 wherein the capability to change channelsincludes the capability to retrieve last-viewed-channel.
 89. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 85 whereinthe capability to change channels includes the capability to retrievepreviously set favorite channels.
 90. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 85 wherein the user program guideequipment having a numeric display and wherein the capability to changechannels includes the capability to display a channel to which theviewing device is currently tuned on the numeric display of the userprogram guide equipment.
 91. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 85 wherein the user program guide equipmenthaving a numeric display and wherein the capability to change channelsincludes the capability to display a channel number, provided to theinteractive television program guide by the user when selecting atelevision program, on the numeric display of the user program guideequipment.
 92. The interactive television program guide system definedin claim 80 wherein the subset of the interactive television programguide capabilities includes volume control.
 93. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 80 wherein the subsetof the interactive television program guide capabilities includes mute.94. The interactive television program guide system defined in claim 80wherein the subset of the interactive television program guidecapabilities includes the capability to provide the user with programreminders.
 95. The interactive television program guide system definedin claim 94 wherein the capability to provide the user program remindersincludes the capability to provide the user with program reminders thatinclude an automatic tune option.
 96. The interactive television programguide system defined in claim 94 wherein the capability to provide theuser with program reminders includes the capability to provide the userwith an opportunity to toggle between several program reminders.
 97. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 80 whereinthe subset of the interactive television program guide capabilitiesprovided to the user includes parental control.
 98. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 97 wherein the parentalcontrol capability includes the ability to prevent the viewing devicetuner from tuning to parentally prohibited programs and channels. 99.The interactive television program guide system defined in claim 97wherein the parental control capability includes requiring that apersonal identification number be provided to the interactive televisionprogram guide before one of the parentally prohibited programs andchannels can be displayed.
 100. The interactive television program guidesystem defined in claim 97 wherein the user program guide equipmenthaving a numeric display and wherein the parental control capabilityincludes the capability to display user feedback on the numeric displayof the user program guide equipment.
 101. The interactive televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 80 wherein the subset of theinteractive television program guide capabilities includes thecapability to prevent the viewing device from tuning to channels thatthe viewing device tuner cannot decode.
 102. The interactive televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 80 wherein the viewing devicetuner is set to the previously selected channel when the interactivetelevision program guide routes the raw signal to the viewing device.103. The interactive television program guide system defined in claim 80wherein the user program guide equipment includes a user program guideequipment tuner and wherein when the viewing device tuner is set to apreviously selected channel the interactive television program guidesets the user program guide equipment tuner to the same channel theviewing device tuner was set prior to the interactive television programguide routing a processed signal to the viewing device.
 104. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 80 whereinthe interactive television program guide provides a processed signal tothe recording device at the same time that the raw signal is provided tothe viewing device.
 105. The interactive television program guide systemdefined in claim 104 wherein the recording device volume is optimallyset for the recording process by the interactive television programguide.
 106. The interactive television program guide system defined inclaim 104 wherein on-screen graphics are prevented from beingtransmitted as part of the processed signal.
 107. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 1 wherein the recordingdevice includes a recording device tuner and wherein the interactiveprogram guide controls the tuner in the recording device.
 108. Theinteractive television program guide system defined in claim 107 furthercomprising a switch wherein when the recording device tuner is unable todecode a user-requested television program the interactive televisionprogram guide sends commands to the switch that cause the switch toroute a processed signal to the recording device.
 109. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 107 wherein theinteractive television program guide controls the recording device bysending commands to the recording device.
 110. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 109 further comprisingan infrared transmitter wherein commands sent to the recording deviceare sent by the infrared transmitter in the form of infrared signals.111. The interactive television program guide system defined in claim109 further comprising a serial bus wherein the commands to therecording device are sent via the serial bus.
 112. The interactivetelevision program guide system defined in claim 109 wherein when therecording device tuner is able to decode a user-requested televisionprogram the interactive television program guide routes the raw signalto the recording device and the user has access to all capabilities ofthe interactive television program guide during the recording process.113. The interactive television program guide system defined in claim 1wherein the user program guide equipment includes a first tuner and asecond tuner, and wherein the interactive program guide controls thefirst tuner and the second tuner.
 114. The interactive televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 113 wherein the first tuner has acorresponding dedicated first output and the second tuner has acorresponding dedicated second output and wherein the dedicated firstoutput is coupled to the recording device and the dedicated secondoutput is coupled to the viewing device so that the interactivetelevision program guide always uses the first tuner to record a selectprogram and always uses the second tuner to view a selected program.115. The interactive television program guide system defined in claim113 further comprising a switch, wherein the first tuner has acorresponding first output and the second tuner has a correspondingsecond output and wherein the interactive television program guidecontrols the switch so that the first output is coupled to either theviewing device or the recording device and the second output is coupledto either the viewing device or the recording device so that the eithertuner can be used for the viewing and recording functions.
 116. Atelevision program guide system in which an interactive televisionprogram guide is implemented on user television equipment having a firsttuner and a second tuner each of which has an output, wherein the outputof the first tuner is coupled to a recording device and the output ofthe second tuner is coupled to a display device, comprising: means forproviding a user with an option to select a program to be recorded usingthe interactive television program guide; and means for directing theoutput of the first tuner to the display device and the output of thesecond tuner to the recording device at the start of the selectedprogram using the interactive television program guide, so that theprogram selected using the interactive television program guide isrecorded with the recording device while another program issimultaneously displayed on the display device.
 117. The televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 116 wherein the recording deviceis a videocassette recorder.
 118. The television program guide systemdefined in claim 116 wherein the display device is a television.
 119. Atelevision program guide system in which an interactive televisionprogram guide is implemented on user television equipment having a firsttuner and a second tuner each of which has an output, comprising: meansfor providing a user with an option to select a program to be recordedusing the interactive television program guide; means for directing theoutput of the first tuner and the output of the second tuner between arecording device and a display device at the start of the selectedprogram using the interactive television program guide, so that theprogram selected using the interactive television program guide isrecorded with the recording device while another program issimultaneously displayed on the display device; and means for switchingthe output of the first tuner and the output of the second tuner usingthe interactive television program guide, wherein the output of thefirst tuner may be directed to the display device and the output of thesecond tuner may be directed to the recording device and wherein theoutput of the first tuner may be directed to the recording device andthe output of the second tuner may be directed at the display device.120. The television program guide system defined in claim 119 whereinthe recording device is a videocassette recorder.
 121. The televisionprogram guide system defined in claim 119 wherein the display device isa television.
 122. The television program guide system defined in claim119, further comprising means for using the interactive televisionprogram guide to provide the user with an option to cancel recording ofthe selected program so that the system can process a secondary functionrequest.
 123. The television program guide system defined in claim 119,further comprising means for using the interactive television programguide to provide the user with an option to cancel current use of asecondary function so that the selected program can be recorded with therecording device.
 124. A television program guide system in which aninteractive television program guide is implemented on user televisionequipment having a tuner and an RF bypass switch that are coupled to arecording device and a display device, comprising: means for providing auser with an option to select a program to be recorded using theinteractive television program guide; and means for directing the outputof the tuner and the output of the RF bypass switch between therecording device and the display device using the interactive televisionprogram guide, so that one program is displayed on the display devicewhile another program is simultaneously recorded on the recordingdevice.
 125. The television program guide system defined in claim 124,wherein the RF bypass switch has two audio/video signal inputs and asingle audio/video output.
 126. The television program guide systemdefined in claim 125, wherein the recording device is a videocassetterecorder and the display device is a television and wherein the outputof the RF bypass switch is coupled to the television, the output of thetuner is coupled to the videocassette recorder, and the output of thevideocassette recorder is coupled to the RF bypass switch.
 127. Thetelevision program guide system defined in claim 126, further comprisingmeans for using the interactive television program guide to provide theuser with an option to select a last channel viewed to be displayed onthe display device without interrupting the recording of the selectedprogram on the videocassette recorder.
 128. The television program guidesystem defined in claim 126, further comprising means for using theinteractive television program guide to provide the user with an optionto use favorite channel features in the interactive television programguide without interrupting the recording of the selected program on thevideocassette recorder.
 129. The television program guide system definedin claim 126, further comprising means for using the interactivetelevision program guide system to provide the user with an ability toadjust the volume of the television without interrupting the recordingof the selected program on the videocassette recorder.
 130. Thetelevision program guide system defined in claim 126, further comprisingmeans for using the interactive television program guide to respond to apre-set channel reminder by automatically tuning the television to apre-selected channel associated with the pre-set channel reminderwithout interrupting the recording of the selected program on thevideocassette recorder.
 131. The television program guide system definedin claim 126, further comprising means for using the interactivetelevision program guide to provide the user with an option to togglebetween a plurality of pre-set channel reminders by using pre-definedkeys on a remote control unit without interrupting the recording of theselected program.
 132. The television program guide system defined inclaim 126, further comprising means for using the interactive televisionprogram guide to provide the user with an option of controlling accessto specific programs by requiring the user to enter a personalidentification number into the program guide system by remote controlwithout interrupting the recording of the selected program.
 133. Thetelevision program guide system defined in claim 132, wherein the usertelevision equipment comprises a set-top box and wherein the prompt forthe personal identification number appears on a front-panel display ofthe set-top box.
 134. The television program guide system defined inclaim 126, wherein the user television equipment comprises a set-topbox, the system further comprising means for using the interactivetelevision program guide to provide the user with an ability to displaya channel number on a front-panel of the set-top box by enteringcommands into a remote control device without interrupting the recordingof the selected program.
 135. The television program guide systemdefined in claim 126, further comprising means for preventing the userfrom accessing a channel that carries a scrambled signal for display onthe television.
 136. The television program guide system defined inclaim 125, wherein the recording device is a videocassette recorder andthe display device is a television and wherein the output of the RFbypass switch is coupled to the videocassette recorder and the output ofthe tuner is coupled to the television.
 137. The television programguide system defined in claim 124, wherein the RF bypass switch has twooutputs and two audio/video signal inputs one of which receives aprocessed television signal and one of which receives a unprocessedtelevision signal.
 138. The television program guide system defined inclaim 137, wherein the RF bypass switch has two positions.
 139. Thetelevision program guide system defined in claim 138, wherein one of thetwo positions allows the two audio/video signal inputs to pass directlythrough the RF bypass switch to the two outputs and the other one of thetwo positions allows the two audio/video signal inputs to be switched,so that using the interactive television program guide the unprocessedtelevision signal can be switched to either of the two outputs and theprocessed television signal can be switched to either of the twotelevision outputs.
 140. The television program guide system defined inclaim 137, wherein the RF bypass switch has three switching positions.141. The television program guide system defined in claim 138, whereinone of the three positions allows the processed television signal to bedirected to both of the two outputs and another of the three positionsallows the two audio/video signal inputs to pass directly through the RFbypass switch to respective ones of the outputs and the other one of thethree positions allows the audio/video inputs to be switched so thatusing the interactive television program guide the unprocessedtelevision signal can be switched to either of the two outputs and theprocessed television signal can be switched to either of the twooutputs.
 142. A television program guide system comprising: usertelevision equipment on which an interactive television program guide isimplemented, the user television equipment having a first tuner and asecond tuner each of which has an output, wherein the output of thefirst tuner is coupled to a recording device and the output of thesecond tuner is coupled to a display device, wherein: the interactivetelevision program guide is configured to provide a user with an optionto select a program to be recorded; and the interactive televisionprogram guide is configured to direct the output of the first tuner tothe display device and the output of the second tuner to the recordingdevice at the start of the selected program, so that the programselected using the interactive television program guide is recorded withthe recording device while another program is simultaneously displayedon the display device.
 143. The television program guide system definedin claim 142 wherein the recording device is a videocassette recorder.144. The television program guide system defined in claim 142 whereinthe display device is a television.
 145. A television program guidesystem comprising: user television equipment on which an interactivetelevision program guide is implemented, the user television equipmenthaving a first tuner and a second tuner each of which has an output,wherein: the interactive television program guide is configured toprovide a user with an option to select a program to be recorded; andthe interactive television program guide is configured to direct theoutput of the first tuner and the output of the second tuner between arecording device and a display device at the start of the selectedprogram, so that the program selected using the interactive televisionprogram guide is recorded with the recording device while anotherprogram is simultaneously displayed on the display device; and a switchfor switching the output of the first tuner and the output of the secondtuner using the interactive television program guide, wherein the outputof the first tuner may be directed to the display device and the outputof the second tuner may be directed to the recording device and whereinthe output of the first tuner may be directed to the recording deviceand the output of the second tuner may be directed at the displaydevice.
 146. The television program guide system defined in claim 145wherein the recording device is a videocassette recorder.
 147. Thetelevision program guide system defined in claim 145 wherein the displaydevice is a television.
 148. The television program guide system definedin claim 145, further comprising the interactive television programguide configured to provide the user with an option to cancel recordingof the selected program so that the system can process a secondaryfunction request.
 149. The television program guide system defined inclaim 145, further comprising the interactive television program guideconfigured to provide the user with an option to cancel current use of asecondary function so that the selected program can be recorded with therecording device.
 150. A television program guide system comprising: onuser television equipment on which an interactive television programguide is implemented, the user television equipment having a tuner andan RF bypass switch that are coupled to a recording device and a displaydevice, wherein: the interactive television program guide is configuredto provide a user with an option to select a program to be recorded; andthe interactive television program guide is configured to switch theoutput of the tuner and the output of the RF bypass switch between therecording device and the display device using the interactive televisionprogram guide, so that one program is displayed on the display devicewhile another program is simultaneously recorded on the recordingdevice.
 151. The television program guide system defined in claim 150,wherein the RF bypass switch has two audio/video signal inputs and asingle audio/video output.
 152. The television program guide systemdefined in claim 151, wherein the recording device is a videocassetterecorder and the display device is a television and wherein the outputof the RF bypass switch is coupled to the television, the output of thetuner is coupled to the videocassette recorder, and the output of thevideocassette recorder is coupled to the RF bypass switch.
 153. Thetelevision program guide system defined in claim 152, wherein theinteractive television program guide is configured to provide the userwith an option to select a last channel viewed for display on thedisplay device without interrupting the recording of the selectedprogram on the recording device.
 154. The television program guidesystem defined in claim 152, wherein the interactive television programguide is configured to provide the user with an option to use favoritechannel features in the interactive television program guide withoutinterrupting the recording of the selected program on the recordingdevice.
 155. The television program guide system defined in claim 152,wherein the interactive television program guide is configured toprovide the user with an ability to adjust the volume of the televisionwithout interrupting the recording of the selected program on therecording device.
 156. The television program guide system defined inclaim 152, wherein the interactive television program guide isconfigured to respond to a pre-set channel reminder by automaticallytuning the television to a pre-selected channel associated with thepre-set channel reminder without interrupting the recording of theselected program on the recording device.
 157. The television programguide system defined in claim 152, wherein the interactive televisionprogram guide is configured to provide the user with an option to togglebetween a plurality of pre-set channel reminders by using pre-definedkeys on a remote control unit without interrupting the recording of theselected program.
 158. The television program guide system defined inclaim 152, wherein the interactive television program guide isconfigured to provide the user with an option of controlling access tospecific programs by requiring the user to enter a personalidentification number into the program guide system by remote controlwithout interrupting the recording of the selected program.
 159. Thetelevision program guide system defined in claim 158, wherein the usertelevision equipment comprises a set-top box and wherein the prompt forthe personal identification number appears on a front-panel display ofthe set-top box.
 160. The television program guide system defined inclaim 152, wherein the user television equipment comprises a set-top boxand wherein the interactive television program guide is configured toprovide the user with an ability to display a channel number on afront-panel of the set-top box by entering commands into a remotecontrol device without interrupting the recording of the selectedprogram.
 161. The television program guide system defined in claim 152,wherein the interactive television program guide is configured toprevent the user from accessing a channel that carries a scrambledsignal for display on the television.
 162. The television program guidesystem defined in claim 151, wherein the recording device is avideocassette recorder and the display device is a television andwherein the output of the RF bypass switch is coupled to thevideocassette recorder and the output of the tuner is coupled to thetelevision.
 163. The television program guide system defined in claim150, wherein the RF bypass switch has two outputs and two audio/videosignal inputs one of which receives a processed television signal andone of which receives a unprocessed television signal.
 164. Thetelevision program guide system defined in claim 163, wherein the RFbypass switch has two positions.
 165. The television program guidesystem defined in claim 164, wherein one of the two positions allows thetwo audio/video signal inputs to pass directly through the RF bypassswitch to the two outputs and the other one of the two positions allowsthe two audio/video signal inputs to be switched, so that using theinteractive television program guide the unprocessed television signalcan be directed to either of the two outputs and the processedtelevision signal can be switched to either of the two televisionoutputs.
 166. The television program guide system defined in claim 163,wherein the RF bypass switch has three switching positions.
 167. Thetelevision program guide system defined in claim 166, wherein one of thethree positions allows the processed television signal to be directed toboth of the two outputs and another of the three positions allows thetwo audio/video signal inputs to pass directly through the RF bypassswitch to respective ones of the outputs and the other one of the threepositions allows the audio/video inputs to be switched so that using theinteractive television program guide the unprocessed television signalcan be switched to either of the two outputs and the processedtelevision signal can be switched to either of the two outputs.
 168. Amethod for using an interactive television program guide that isimplemented on user television equipment having two tuners each of whichhas an output, the outputs of the two tuners being coupled to arecording device and a display device, the method comprising: providinga user with an option to select a program to be recorded using theinteractive television program guide; and directing the output of thefirst tuner to the display device and the output of the second tuner tothe recording device at the start of the selected program using theinteractive television program guide, so that the selected program isrecorded with the recording device while another program issimultaneously displayed on the display device.
 169. The method definedin claim 168 wherein the recording device is a videocassette recorder.170. The method defined in claim 168 wherein the display device is atelevision.
 171. A method for using an interactive television programguide that is implemented on user television equipment having a firsttuner and a second tuner each of which has an output, the methodcomprising: providing a user with an option to select a program to berecorded using the interactive television program guide; directing theoutput of the first tuner and the output of the second tuner between arecording device and a display device at the start of the selectedprogram using the interactive television program guide, so that theprogram selected using the interactive television program guide isrecorded with the recording device while another program issimultaneously displayed on the display device; and switching the outputof the first tuner and the output of the second tuner using theinteractive television program guide, wherein the output of the firsttuner may be directed to the display device and the output of the secondtuner may be directed to the recording device and wherein the output ofthe first tuner may be directed to the recording device and the outputof the second tuner may be directed at the display device.
 172. Themethod defined in claim 171 wherein the recording device is avideocassette recorder.
 173. The method defined in claim 171 wherein thedisplay device is a television.
 174. The method defined in claim 171,further comprising using the interactive television program guide toprovide the user with an option to cancel recording the selected programso that the system can process a secondary function request.
 175. Themethod defined in claim 171, further comprising using the interactivetelevision program guide to provide the user with an option to cancelcurrent use of a secondary function so that the selected program can berecorded with the recording device.
 176. A method for using aninteractive television program guide that is implemented on usertelevision equipment having a single tuner and an RF bypass switch thatare coupled to a recording device and a display device, the methodcomprising: providing a user with an option to select a program to berecorded using an interactive television program guide; and directingthe outputs of the single tuner and the RF bypass switch between therecording device and the display device using said interactivetelevision program guide, so that one program is displayed on thedisplay device while another program is simultaneously recorded on therecording device.
 177. The method defined in claim 176, wherein said RFbypass switch has two audio/video signal inputs and a single audio/videooutput.
 178. The method defined in claim 177, wherein the recordingdevice is a videocassette recorder and the display device is atelevision and wherein the output of the RF bypass switch is directed tothe television and the output of the tuner is directed to thevideocassette recorder.
 179. The method defined in claim 178, furthercomprising using the interactive television program guide to provide theuser with an option to select a last channel viewed to be displayed onthe display device without interrupting the recording of the selectedprogram on the videocassette recorder.
 180. The method defined in claim178, further comprising using the interactive television program guideto provide the user with an option to use favorite channel features inthe interactive television program guide without interrupting therecording of the selected program on the videocassette recorder. 181.The method defined in claim 178, further comprising using theinteractive television program guide system to provide the user with anability to adjust the volume of the television without interrupting therecording of the selected program on the videocassette recorder. 182.The method defined in claim 178, further comprising using theinteractive television program guide to respond to a pre-set channelreminder by automatically tuning the television to a pre-selectedchannel associated with the pre-set channel reminder withoutinterrupting the recording of the selected program on the videocassetterecorder.
 183. The method defined in claim 178, further comprising usingthe interactive television program guide to provide the user with anoption to toggle between a plurality of pre-set channel reminders byusing pre-defined keys on a remote control unit without interrupting therecording of the selected program.
 184. The method defined in claim 178,further comprising using the interactive television program guide toprovide the user with an option of controlling access to specificprograms by requiring the user to enter a personal identification numberinto the program guide system by remote control without interrupting therecording of the selected program.
 185. The method defined in claim 184,wherein the user television equipment comprises a set-top box and theprompt for the personal identification number appears on a front-paneldisplay of the set-top box.
 186. The method defined in claim 178,wherein the user television equipment comprises a set-top box, themethod further comprising using the interactive television program guideto provide the user with an ability to display a channel number on afront-panel of the set-top box by entering commands into a remotecontrol device without interrupting the recording of the selectedprogram.
 187. The method defined in claim 178, further comprisespreventing the user from accessing a channel that carries a scrambledsignal for display on the television.
 188. The method defined in claim177, wherein the recording device is a videocassette recorder and thedisplay device is a television and wherein the output of the RF bypassswitch is coupled to the videocassette recorder and the output of thetuner is coupled to the television.
 189. The method defined in claim176, wherein the RF bypass switch has two audio/video signal inputs oneof which receives a processed television signal and one of whichreceives a unprocessed television signal and two outputs.
 190. Themethod defined in claim 189, wherein the RF bypass switch has twopositions.
 191. The method defined in claim 190, wherein one of the twopositions allows the two audio/video signal inputs to pass directlythrough the RF bypass switch to said two outputs and the other one ofthe two positions allows the two audio/video signal inputs to beswitched, so that using the interactive television program guide theunprocessed television signal can be switched to either of the twooutputs and the processed television signal can be switched to either ofthe two television outputs.
 192. The method defined in claim 189,wherein the RF bypass switch has three switching positions.
 193. Themethod defined in claim 192, wherein one of the three positions allowsthe processed television signal to be directed to both of the twooutputs and another of the three positions allows the two audio/videosignal inputs to pass directly through the RF bypass switch torespective ones of the outputs and the other one of the three positionsallows the audio/video inputs to be switched so that using theinteractive television program guide the unprocessed television signalcan be switched to either of the two outputs and the processedtelevision signal can be switched to either of the two outputs.
 194. Aninteractive television program guide system having a videocassetterecorder and a television that has a regular television input, thesystem comprising: a set-top box on which an interactive televisionprogram guide is implemented, the set-top box having a first tuner and asecond tuner that receive a television signal and that providecorresponding first and second processed television signals; and aninfrared transmitter for transmitting command signals from theinteractive television program guide to the videocassette recorder sothat the interactive television program guide can direct thevideocassette recorder to record; wherein: the interactive televisionprogram guide provides a user with an opportunity to select a televisionprogram for recording; the first tuner is tuned at a given time by theprogram guide so that the first processed television signal correspondsto a first channel; the first processed television signal is provided tothe regular television input and television programming for the firstchannel is displayed on the television; prior to the time for recordingthe second tuner is tuned by the interactive television program guide sothat the second processed television signal corresponds to a secondchannel on which the selected program will be broadcast; the secondprocessed television signal is provided to the videocassette recorder;and at the time the recording is to begin the interactive program guidecommands the infrared transmitter to send signals to the videocassetterecorder to direct it to begin recording the selected program.
 195. Aninteractive television program guide system having a videocassetterecorder and a television that has a regular television input and apicture-in-picture television input, the system comprising: a set-topbox on which an interactive television program guide is implemented, theset-top box having a first tuner and a second tuner that receive atelevision signal and that provide corresponding first and secondprocessed television signals; switching circuitry configured to receivethe first and second processed television signals and to provide them tothe television and to the videocassette recorder and configured toreceive the program guide command signals from the interactivetelevision program guide; and an infrared transmitter for transmittingcommand signals from the interactive television program guide to thevideocassette recorder so that the interactive television program guidecan direct the videocassette recorder to record; wherein: theinteractive television program guide provides the user with anopportunity to select a television program for recording; the firsttuner is tuned at a given time by the interactive television programguide so that the first processed television signal corresponds to afirst channel; the switching circuitry is switched by the interactivetelevision program guide so that the first processed television signalis provided to the regular television input and television programmingfor the first channel is displayed on the television; the second tuneris tuned by the interactive television program guide so that the secondprocessed television signal corresponds to a second channel; theswitching circuitry is switched by the interactive television programguide so that the second processed television signal is provided to thePicture-In-Picture television input for the second channel to bedisplayed on the television using a Picture-in-Picture function; andprior to the given time for recording the interactive television programguide determines that both the first and second tuner are in use andprovides the user with an opportunity to either direct the interactivetelevision program guide to tune the tuner that is directed to thePicture-In-Picture television input to the appropriate channel forrecording the selected television program or to cancel the recording ofthe selected television program and continue the Picture-In-Picturefunction.
 196. An interactive television program guide system having avideocassette recorder and a television that has a regular televisioninput, the system comprising: a set-top box on which an interactivetelevision program guide is implemented, the set-top box having a tunerthat receives a television signal and provides corresponding processedand unprocessed television signals; an RF bypass switch is configured toreceive processed and unprocessed television signals to provide theprocessed and unprocessed television signals to the television andconfigured to receive the program guide command signals from theinteractive television program guide; an infrared transmitter fortransmitting command signals from the interactive television programguide to the videocassette recorder so that the interactive televisionprogram guide can direct the videocassette recorder to record and totune the television; wherein: the interactive television program guideprovides the user with an opportunity to select a television program forrecording; the tuner is tuned at a given time by the interactivetelevision program guide so that the processed television signalcorresponds to a first channel and the processed signal is provided tothe videocassette recorder; the RF bypass switch circuitry may beswitched by the interactive television program guide so that theunprocessed television signal is provided to the regular televisioninput and television programming for a second channel is displayed onthe television; the RF bypass switch circuitry may be switched by theinteractive television program guide so that the processed televisionsignal is provided to the regular television input and televisionprogramming for the first channel is displayed on the television; and atany given time the interactive television program guide commands theinfrared transmitter to send signals to the television that tune thetelevision to a desired channel; at the time the selected program is tobegin the interactive television program guide sends commands by theinfrared transmitter that direct the videocassette recorder to beginrecording.
 197. An interactive television program guide system having avideocassette recorder and a television having a regular televisioninput, the system comprising: a set-top box on which an interactivetelevision program guide is implemented, the set-top box having a tunerthat receives a television signal and provides corresponding processedand unprocessed television signals; an RF bypass switch is configured toreceive the unprocessed television signals and provide the unprocessedtelevision signals to the videocassette recorder and configured toreceive the program guide command signals from the interactivetelevision program guide; an infrared transmitter for transmittingcommand signals from the interactive television program guide to thevideocassette recorder so that the interactive television program guidecan tune the videocassette recorder and direct it to record; wherein:the interactive television program guide provides the user with anopportunity to select a television program for recording; the tuner istuned at a given time by the interactive television program guide sothat the processed television signal corresponds to a first channel andthe processed television signal is provided to the television; the RFbypass switch circuitry is switched by the interactive televisionprogram guide so that the unprocessed television signal is provided tothe videocassette recorder; at the time the selected program is to beginthe interactive television program guide sends commands by the infraredtransmitter that direct the videocassette recorder to tune to a channelon which the selected program is to be broadcast; and at the time theselected program is to begin the interactive television program guidesends commands by the infrared transmitter that direct the videocassetterecorder to begin recording.
 198. An interactive television programguide system having a videocassette recorder and a television having aregular television input, the system comprising: a set-top box on whichan interactive television program guide is implemented, the set-top boxhaving a tuner that receives a television signal and that providescorresponding processed and unprocessed television signals; the RFbypass switch is configured to receive processed and unprocessedtelevision signals and to provide processed and unprocessed televisionsignals to the television and the videocassette recorder and configuredto receive the program guide command signals from the interactivetelevision program guide; an infrared transmitter for transmittingcommand signals from the interactive television program guide to thevideocassette recorder so that the interactive television program guidecan direct the videocassette recorder to record and to tune thevideocassette recorder and television; wherein: the interactivetelevision program guide provides the user with an opportunity to selecta television program for recording; the tuner is tuned at a given timeby the interactive television program guide so that the processedtelevision signal corresponds to a first channel and the processedsignal is provided to the RF bypass switch; the videocassette recorderis tuned at any given time by the interactive television program guidethrough the infrared transmitter so that the unprocessed televisionsignal corresponds to a second channel and the unprocessed televisionsignal is provided to the RF bypass switch; the RF bypass switchcircuitry may be switched by the interactive television program guide sothat the processed television signal is provided to the regulartelevision input and television programming for the first channel isdisplayed on the television and the unprocessed television signalcorresponding to the second channel is provided to the videocassetterecorder; the television is tuned at any given time by the interactivetelevision program guide through the infrared transmitter so that theunprocessed television signal corresponds to a second channel and theunprocessed television signal is provided to the RF bypass switch; theRF bypass switch circuitry may be switched by the interactive televisionprogram guide so that the processed television signal and televisionprogramming for the first channel is provided to the videocassetterecorder and the unprocessed television signal and the televisionprogramming for the second channel is provided to the regular televisioninput and television programming is displayed; and at the time therecording is to begin the interactive television program guide commandsthe infrared transmitter to send signals to the videocassette recorderto tune it to a desired channel and direct it to begin recording theselected program.
 199. An interactive television program guide systemhaving a videocassette recorder and a television having a regulartelevision input, the system comprising: a set-top box on which aninteractive television program guide is implemented, the set-top boxhaving a tuner that receives a television signal and that providescorresponding processed television signals; the RF bypass switch isconfigured to receive unprocessed and processed television signals andto provide unprocessed and processed television signals to thetelevision and the videocassette recorder and configured to receive theprogram guide command signals from the interactive television programguide; an infrared transmitter for transmitting command signals from theinteractive television program guide to the videocassette recorder sothat the interactive television program guide can direct thevideocassette recorder to record and to tune the videocassette recorderand television; wherein: the interactive television program guideprovides the user with an opportunity to select a television program forrecording; the tuner is tuned at a given time by the interactivetelevision program guide so that the processed television signalcorresponds to a first channel and the processed signal is provided tothe RF bypass switch; the RF bypass switch circuitry may be switched bythe interactive television program guide so that the processedtelevision signal is provided to both the regular television input andtelevision programming for the first channel is displayed on thetelevision and the videocassette recorder; the videocassette recorder istuned at any given time by the interactive television program guidethrough the infrared transmitter so that the unprocessed televisionsignal corresponds to a second channel and the unprocessed televisionsignal is provided to the RF bypass switch; the RF bypass switchcircuitry may be switched by the interactive television program guide sothat the processed television signal is provided to the regulartelevision input and television programming for the first channel isdisplayed on the television and the unprocessed television signalcorresponding to the second channel is provided to the videocassetterecorder; the television is tuned at any given time by the interactivetelevision program guide through the infrared transmitter so that theunprocessed television signal corresponds to a second channel and theunprocessed television signal is provided to the RF bypass switch; theRF bypass switch circuitry may be switched by the interactive televisionprogram guide so that the processed television signal corresponding tothe first channel is provided to the videocassette recorder and theunprocessed television signal is provided to the regular televisioninput and television programming for the second channel is displayed onthe television; and at the time the recording is to begin theinteractive television program guide commands the infrared transmitterto send signals to the videocassette recorder to direct it to beginrecording the selected program.